This report summarises marine megafauna (cetaceans, dugongs and marine turtles) strandings throughout the Northern Territory (NT), from 1 January to 31 December 2017. Stranding records were obtained from a range of sources, including direct reports to Marine WildWatch, Aboriginal sea ranger groups and other organisations (the Australian Border Force, Australian Fisheries Management Authority, Northern Prawn Fishery Industry, NT Fisheries and Tangaroa Blue Foundation). Overall, 175 strandings were recorded in 2017, including: 149 marine turtles, 10 dolphins and 16 dugongs. Marine turtle strandings consisted of six species, and the dolphins consisted of three species. Net entanglement was the most common cause of stranding injuries and mortalities. Other causes of stranding injuries and mortalities were related to natural factors (predation and unhealthy), as well as human interactions. Strandings in the NT remain relatively low compared to other jurisdictions in Australia. (Executive Summary),
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Notes
Made available via the Publications (Legal Deposit) Act 2004 (NT),
Language
English,
Subject
management plans,
Cetacea,
Marine mammals,
Fish strandings,
Whales,
Dolphins,